Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro e Santo Antão

Location:

The Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval is majestically situated on the acropolis of Évora, in the heart of its historic city. Its location is intrinsically linked to the city's fortified past, as the palace's structure rests, in part, upon the ancient Roman-Visigothic walls of what was the Castle of Évora. Its presence is prominent in the historic center, within the union of parishes of São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro and Santo Antão, reflecting its deep connection to the identity and heritage of the locality.

Architecture Through Eras:

This remarkable building is a harmonious example of the fusion of different architectural styles. Tracing its lines, one can observe a combination of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Manueline elements, which intertwine within its structure. One of its most characteristic features is the Tower of the Five Corners, a pentagonal tower of medieval origin that has been classified as a National Monument since 1920, lending the palace a distinctive silhouette and strong historical character.

A Historical Legacy:

As the birthplace and uninterrupted property of the House of Cadaval since the 14th century, the palace is a guardian of centuries of Portuguese history. It was the stage for crucial events, having temporarily hosted monarchs such as Dom João II, Dom João IV, and Dom João V. Its walls bore witness to dramatic moments, such as the imprisonment of Dom Fernando II, Duke of Bragança, in 1483, before his execution, marking one of the most celebrated episodes in the relations between the Crown and the nobility at the time.

Collections and Cultural Dynamism:

Part of the palace is accessible to the public, revealing the richness of its interior through spaces that display a remarkable collection of assets from the House of Cadaval. In these rooms, visitors can appreciate a valuable collection including illuminated codices, sculptures, paintings, and armaments, with pieces dating between the 15th and 18th centuries. Currently, the palace remains an active cultural center, hosting various artistic manifestations and events, which demonstrates its continuous relevance to the cultural life of Évora.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt